Retinoids and carotenoids in bovine pineal gland

The retinoids and carotenoids in bovine pineal gland were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatographic methods. The major retinoid observed was all-trans retinol, with an average level of 579 pmol/g wet tissue. In agreement with a previous report, retinal was not detected; however, we could not detect any retinyl ester in bovine pineal gland. Methods similar to those used in studying metabolism of vitamin A in the bovine eye were used to study the esterification and isomerization reactions of retinoids in the pineal gland. Neither esterification nor isomerization reactions occurred. These results suggest that the key retinoids and enzymes involved in visual function are absent in the bovine pineal gland. The major carotenoid, which has not previously been reported in pineal gland, was beta-carotene at an average level of 1830 pmol/g wet tissue.